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Dictionary of Fortifications: An illustrated glossary of castles, forts, and other defensive works from antiquity to the present day
This Dictionary of Fortifications is an attractive and convenient reference for anyone with an interest in castles, forts, walled cities and any other defensive architecture, including temporary structures, of any period. The heart of the book is a useful glossary of over 1,200 terms relating to fortifications through the ages. Drawn from many languages besides English, each has at least a concise definition or description, while more significant entries take the form of short articles. Many are accompanied by a clear sketch, diagram, cross-section, floor plan or map skillfully executed by the author himself. In all there are over 400 of these black and white illustrations. Although the glossary is organized alphabetically (from Abatis to Zwischenwiderstandnet), cross references allow the reader to easily follow themes of interest through the book.
Buttressing the glossary there is a section giving an overview of the historical development of fortifications from prehistory to the present day. A further chapter outlines the concomitant development of siege warfare over the same long span, detailing the evolution of siege engines and other tactics used to overcome fortifications. This is a fascinating reference for anyone with the slightest interest in military architecture.
Buttressing the glossary there is a section giving an overview of the historical development of fortifications from prehistory to the present day. A further chapter outlines the concomitant development of siege warfare over the same long span, detailing the evolution of siege engines and other tactics used to overcome fortifications. This is a fascinating reference for anyone with the slightest interest in military architecture.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published January 19, 2023
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February 12, 2023
Dictionary of Fortifications – A Great Guide
Sometimes when you watch a television historical document a historian will use various descriptive language which the view may not quite understand. This is especially so when historians are discussing and showing fortified cities, castles and other defensive works. This book breaks those meanings down and makes it simple enough even a sociologist could understand.
This is a useful reference book especially if you have an interest in castles and other fortifications. There is a glossary of terms which spans fortifications across the ages, from ancient to modern. Many of these terms are accompanied with a black and white sketched picture which aids the reader greatly.
Not only does it discuss fortifications it also explores the development of siege warfare, which to me is far more interesting. The author explains about the evolution of various siege engines and the tactics commanders brought to bear from prehistory to present day tactics.
The book is broken up into three sections making it easier to find the information you require, with Part 1 covering A short history of fortifications; Part 2 Sieges; Part 3 Dictionary. This makes the book easier to navigate and use as a reference tool. While the Dictionary is in alphabetical order it also has plenty of cross referencing.
This book could have been a boring manual of fortifications, instead it is an engaging read, packed full of interesting facts. An interesting reference book.
Sometimes when you watch a television historical document a historian will use various descriptive language which the view may not quite understand. This is especially so when historians are discussing and showing fortified cities, castles and other defensive works. This book breaks those meanings down and makes it simple enough even a sociologist could understand.
This is a useful reference book especially if you have an interest in castles and other fortifications. There is a glossary of terms which spans fortifications across the ages, from ancient to modern. Many of these terms are accompanied with a black and white sketched picture which aids the reader greatly.
Not only does it discuss fortifications it also explores the development of siege warfare, which to me is far more interesting. The author explains about the evolution of various siege engines and the tactics commanders brought to bear from prehistory to present day tactics.
The book is broken up into three sections making it easier to find the information you require, with Part 1 covering A short history of fortifications; Part 2 Sieges; Part 3 Dictionary. This makes the book easier to navigate and use as a reference tool. While the Dictionary is in alphabetical order it also has plenty of cross referencing.
This book could have been a boring manual of fortifications, instead it is an engaging read, packed full of interesting facts. An interesting reference book.
Displaying 1 of 1 review